2:35 AM,
Oct. 30, 2013

Written by

Deirdre Shesgreen
Gannett Washington Bureau

Sen. Rob Portman said Tuesday he is "inclined to support" a politically contentious proposal that would prohibit workplace discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees - a bill he had previously expressed concerns about.

Portman's possible "yes" vote could be pivotal for the measure, which is currently just a few votes shy of the 60-vote threshold needed to defeat a GOP-led filibuster.

The Senate could consider it in the coming weeks, and Portman, R-Ohio, has been among those targeted by gay rights groups who are pushing for the bill's passage. ...